Well, I had a reality check today. Coming from the Air Force and from a family who enjoys a little good natured humor at someone else's expense, I will jump in on the banter quite often. It can be fun to throw that witty comment out there and here everyone around you say "Oh, snap!" (street slang for "Wow"). But what is it really doing for that person, or for that group? It just tells them how ignorant and self absorbed I can be.
When we are around our friends or family, there is a time when we need to set ourselves aside, think What would Jesus do (I know, it's a cliche, but effective), and set the Christ-like example for others to follow. Imagine what someone who knows us as Christ followers would say when they heard what we were saying? They might say,"Oh snap, and he calls himself a Christian?"
So today, and from now on, let's take the time to build someone up in love, instead of tearing them down in so-called fun. There is a time and a place for jeering that is in good taste and in the spirit of building up. There is also a time and a place to build up in love. When it is all focused on the mission of Christ, then good natured taunting can inspire or push someone to that next level. But when it pushes someone away from our ultimate mission, we have failed our Savior.
Humbled and changing,
Jesus Freak Out!
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